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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Social Media and Chickenscratch

Have you heard of Tumblr?  Do you have one?  I started one a while back and am very pleased with it.  Think of it as a Twitter-type blog with picture and video qualities.  Love it. 
You can reblog or click the heart to like a blog.  I am following a lot of interesting people.  Actors, directors, artists, foodies, Life magazine, and lots of history sites.
The great think is that video and/or pictures are easily and seamlessly imbedded into the blog and you can opt for your posts to immediately go to your Twitter and Facebook accounts as well.
Also, for those like me with a slow learning curve it is easy-peasy to set up.  
Here is my site to get you going: My Tumblr
Send me yours so I can be a fan.
Ciao for now,
-Trishter
P.S.  I love love love scrapsins on Tumblr....great vids on technique.  

Friday, June 10, 2011

2nd Friday Night Out in Mesa---Kudos!!

I love free...I mean it!  I love anything free.  Even the wetnaps you get to wipe your fingers after eating wings.  Or the extra pico de gallo I get free at El Pollo Loco or Filibertos.  Or the space I am registered for at 2nd Friday Night Out in Mesa is free....yep...free.  I love the fact that I can set up shop, sell my creative expression, and chat it up with some of the most interesting people on the planet.  Like Mike who just moved here from New York.  He has planned on living here since he was 10...how cool...even if he is a bit squeamish about wolf spiders...haha.  
Or Karen, who has been without a swap card club for too long...I plan to hook her up with some great people.  Or the helpful gentleman who suggested I try for a spot closer to the action...where the happening place is.  I am usually the last stop on the way out since I show up after work and it is 1st come 1st served.  
Where else can I network with other artists and be given the skinny on other shows?  Where else can a complete stranger encourage me in my artist endeavors and make me believe that I can create a large canvas of work and he would love to see it when done? 
Wow...I love free.
Toodles for now,,,,,
-Trishtastic and RenWoEx!!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Choosing a Career at the Ripe Ol' Age of 46

Eww, don't like the descriptor 'ripe' but it is all rather true.
My good friend Glynnis said a few years ago that she finally realized what she wanted to be when she grew up.  Could I please have the same light bulb illuminate above me?
The list of jobs I have held are numerous and varied.  The list of volunteer positions I have held are even more numerous and also varied.  The listing will be included in the postscript below.  I am not making this up people.
Unfortunately I have been unable to distill down the skills learned below into a viable career.  By viable I of course mean a paycheck.  I would also appreciate a position that I could enjoy for the long haul.
I have had another good friend assist me in a life plan and was still unable to settle on anything.
Light bulb please!
I love my warehouse job.  The same with most of my other jobs.  I have decided though that I need a grown up job, with grown up wages, and it needs to have a personal meaning for me.
So where is my light bulb?
Night guys, lights out.
-Trish

P.S.  Lifetime Responsibility List

Babysitting
Cleaned offices
Factory assembly line
Clerk in Small Claims Court
Casa de la Paloma Busboy
BJ’s Cashier/Cook
Secretary for heir location
Queen’s Way Clothes Sales
Carpet cleaning telemarketer
Wife
Mother
Wendy’s-ProCo, cook, cashier
Tiara Representative
Dental Assistant
Amway-x4
Artistry Colorist
Sunday School teacher-x2
Tupperware Consultant-x2
Headstart Board representative
Girl Scout leader-x2
KM Matol Representative
School Bus Driver
Dessert sales at Renaissance Fair
Frontier Floozy stuntwoman at Goldfield Ghost town
Freelance Writer
VitaMist-Spray Vitamin Representative
Homeschool Teacher for 14 years
VBS Curriculum creator
Mustard Seed Newsletter Editor
CHE Support Group Board member
Lionshare Co-op Facilitator
FEHE Newsletter Editor
Worship Leader
Pastor
Theology Student-x3 schools
Women’s Ministry Committee Leader
Retreat/Event Coordinator & Speaker
Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
Lunch On the Spot Caterer/Owner
Jewelry Designer
Life Coach
Grandmother
Mixed-Media Artist
Blogger
Medical Biller
Warehouse staff








Sunday, April 10, 2011

Quiche of the week - Chicken Broccoli Especial

Quiche is still considered one of my favorite perfect meals.  Throw in whatever is left in the fridge.  A new version of the all important hotdish I grew up with.  
Remember my definition of a hotdish:  5 identifiable ingredients; and yes Cream of Mushroom soup is one of those identifiable ingredients.
Since I usually make 1 or 2 quiche on a weekend I  will share a version with you.
One of my new favorite blends.


Chicken Broccoli Especial
1 pie crust in ungreased 9" cake pan ( I stink at crust so I cheat & use the Pillsbury rolls-buy them after the holidays and stick the boxes in the freezer), prick all over with fork.
2 Tablespoons of yellow prepared mustard over crust
3-4 cups of frozen broccoli sprinkled in crust
1 cup of manchego cheese shredded over broccoli
2 large grilled chicken breasts cut into chunks over cheese
1 Tablespoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper, and 2 teaspoons dried oregano sprinkled over chicken.
5 eggs whisked adding 
3 Tablespoons of minced fresh garlic and
2 cups of milk/half and half/cream or whatever into the eggs and pour over everything
shred a little more cheese on top and place in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes.  It will rise a bit more in the oven to cover the ingredients.
If the crust is brown and the quiche does not jiggle then it is finished.
Cool and enjoy!  Quiche truly is a fool-proof dish.  Use less eggs and more milk or more eggs and less milk to make it custardy.  Use what you have.
The chicken tastes so awesome a second time around in this dish.
Nighty-nite,
-Trish

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Swap Stress = necessary evil or self-inflicted torture?

Let me 1st clarify swap; to swap artwork with other neurotic artistic types, with a certain theme and within a certain format, with imposed deadlines that may or may not be adhered to by the member(s) or the group.  Glad I could simplify that...sarcasm intended.
******
You could Google card swap or chunky book swap or search on Flickr for plenty of examples...or you can take a gander at my few pitiful pics-below.  Be kind there is some early work in there.  Trust me people I am going to have a miniature light studio box in a short while.  Hope I can learn a few tricks from my photog daughter Kim to take better pictures.
******
And back to our original question; necessary evil or self-inflicted torture?
Necessary evil:  if there was never a deadline would an artist complete anything?  Hmm, almost a tree falls in the forest type of question.
So the stress literally forces me to make creative decisions, just do it, and get the work finished ...even if I am not completely content with it.   
Self-inflicted torture:  these swaps are not a government mandated experience.  I signed up for these.  I chose to join a group of artists in creative (dis)-harmony.  I have no one to blame but myself for getting into the swap.  Also, my own tendency to procrastinate-my creative process-is a natural foil to the essential deadline.  Hence self-inflicted.
So the answer is yes.  Necessary evil and self-inflicted torture.
All of this to keep myself from going into my studio and start/finish my Chunky Book Swap page for this month.  It's even on my favorite game-Scrabble.  Yet all the ideas swirling thru the grey matter have not coalesced into a design decision.  Yep, I will just have to DO IT!
Oh, and I have 2 challenges for the CIA - Collaborative of Inspired Artists - meeting this week as well.  A metal pear and a wooden egg cup.  Sigh....I know.  Just DO IT!
Can I just repeat that procrastination is my creative process?  Umm, can't get away with it can I?  Deadline looms and studio awaits.  Ask me for pics so I will get it done this weekend instead of Tues at midnight.
I can hear the lyrics of the procrastination song my girls created years ago going thru my mind.... pro cras ti nation its the name of the game, pro cras ti nation I'll just do it another day.  Procrastination is more fun, I'd rather dread it than get it done...  You get the point.  Obviously a family trait/tragedy.
Enjoying the 55 degree drop with hot coffee and a chunk of chocolate with pecans and fruit.
-Trishalish






Friday, April 8, 2011

2nd Friday in Mesa

Tonight from 6-10 PM is 2nd Friday in Mesa.  This month it is Sci-fi month with a secondary Steampunk theme.  As stated before not my fave, but last time in Oct they had the Zombie/Steampunk theme and it was so fun to watch.
I will not have a space this month but Kim does and her friend Stephanie.  Come see their art/photos and buy it now before they become famous and you can't afford it.
Also, stores and restaurants are open and during this.
Come downtown to see what your local artisans are doing!
See ya there,
=Trish the Mom in the background

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Tasty Technique Thursday Success and a short rant on creative tool purchases.

Well it was great.  Had an opportunity to break out the alcohol ink applicators that Bob made for me years ago.  We pounced our way across aluminum tape and some paper and acetate.  Added them to a technique tag to show off at home.
Paula made some great peanut butter and chocolate bars...easy peasy she said.  Bag of PB cookie mix with egg and water, mixed and pressed into pan, baked and then melt milk choc chips over that and cut into bars.  Yum.  Sounds like a potluck favorite, huh?
************
I am thinking next of teaching the basics on types of inks and their uses.
Also, I want to research the differences between die cut machines.  Non motorized, such as Sizzix Big Shot or the Spellbinders Grand Caliber.  Or what sets the electronic machines apart such as the Cricut family or even the Pazzle. Even the owners of said machines debate the whys and wherefores. I plan on setting my mind to research this very important territory and report back to you.
*Now you may be asking yourself why would someone really need one of these?  It does not seem to be a necessity but a luxury.  But I disagree.  In working thru my 'emotional stuff' over the years it wasn't the few professionals that helped the most.  It was my Saviour 1st of all that pointed the way, but also my chance to express myself creatively.  I have grown over 4 decades to accept who I am and what I am capable of when I allow my Artist to shine.  For me it is necessary therapy and I love it!
So off to sleepy bye,
-Trish the Artiste




Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Oregon for my baby?

Yep, it seems so.
Kim has her acceptance and a partial scholarship to Oregon College of Arts and Crafts
We are so proud of her and so happy for her as well.
Wow!  A child leaving the state for college.  Do you hear the silent chirps of an empty nest?
Kim is working on her website and I will post it when finished.
This Friday is 2nd Friday Night in Mesa and Kim and her friend Stephanie will be selling their photography out there.  Come and see us!
Well, I am off to create a setup for our 1st ever Tasty Technique Thursday at work tomorrow.  I am combining Sizzix Embossing Folders and Adirondack Alcohol Inks to make a dual technique.  Paula said she was bringing the tasty part.  Next week I believe it is Christine's turn. 
WooHoo!
Toodles,
-Trish the light fantastic

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Oops...I was sure I posted yesterday

Well, I didn't make it a week and I forgot to post yesterday.
Sorry Lorri.
That said, our swap at work went great I have some awesomely cute cards to share.
I will attempt to take photos tonight and share them.
Remember...a puzzle a day keeps dementia away.
Ciao for now,
-Trish

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Paper or EBook

Read a great explanation from Connie Brockway on her decision to go ebook next time.  She also gave some insight to the work an author has with a publishing house.  They are all encouraged to market themselves regularily; ie Facebook &Twitter.  Here is her post. 
So to the issue of paper vs ebook.  I say no issue when a reader.  Either is great and has its place.  I love turning pages and like my good friend Lorri love the scent of well-made pages bound into a book.  On the other hand the ease of purchasing an ebook and reading in the dark are benefits as well.
But for authors I now see the incredible benefits of ebooks.  Even Barnes and Noble offer a self-publishing side that they carry.  Pubit!
So...what have you tried?  As an author and as a reader?  
Tra la la,
-Trishalicious

Saturday, April 2, 2011

1st Card Swap at Work-Time For Guys

This is my 1st official card swap at my workplace.  We could choose either birthday, get well, baby, or thank you for our theme.  12 signed up, including the owner-no pressure there- and we agreed to swap on Monday the 4th.
I love swaps.  This is an opportunity for the beginner to the advanced card maker to share ideas, techniques, tips, etc..
I decided that since guy cards are always in short supply that I would hit that up as my specific theme for a birthday card.
I began with the Tim Holtz Timeworks Mask.  Mixing  Walnut Stain Reinker with water from my Aqua Painter that has water in the reservoir handle 
I pounced a segment of my  Yellow Cheesewheel Sponge into the dye mixture and over the mask as I placed it over the top portion of my Very Vanilla Cardstock front (4.25"x5.5")  from Stampin' Up!.
Then I repositioned the mask again and lightly spritzed a mixture of water and Super Russet Pearl Ex Powder from my Mini Mister over the top.
I let it dry while I cut a 2"x4.25" strip of striped cardstock from my new Rustic Paper Pad I picked up at Joann's for the bottom portion of my card front.  I then pounced some Walnut Stain Ink Pad around the edges.
Using  Aluminum Tape I embossed this great new Sizzix Stitch Embossing Folder onto the aluminum tape thru my Big Shot and then used Adirondack Alcohol Inks in Copper Mixatives and Espresso to make it look like bronzy metal.  And another piece of the tape in the Squared Lattice Folder from Sizzix.
Also, to carry my clock theme I used cheapo bronze embossing powder and Clear UTEE in my Melting Pot and poured the hot liquid into my favorite Clock Face Mold -AM297.  Let set and pop out.  So clear and detailed.  I then pushed an interesting little nailhead that I got with my Purple Monster into the centers.  Here's a good review of it.
I layered the large gear shape from the SU Gear Punch from Espresso Cardstock and stippled some Sparkle Gold Pearl Ex Powder on it.
But this was not enough for me.  I have to see layers, something transparent, some tactile objects.  So I stamped the SU large clock on scrap pieces of acetate (I always save the scraps from packaging) with my StazOn Timber Brown pad and trimmed around the edge.
I added a blob of Burgandy Stickles to the center of the clock and adhered it to the card front with Crystal Effects
I used the Timber Brown StazOn to stamp part of the sentiment from the  SU Smarty Pants set onto the striped paper.
At the bottom of the card front I layered the striped paper then the aluminum tape stitch-just pull off the backing, the gear punch out and then the clock from UTEE adhered with glue dots.  I tucked a small strip of the lattice aluminum tape under the very edge of the striped paper and adhered it all to the card front and the card front to a Very Vanilla folded card blank.  I added the rest of the sentiment inside the card along with the small gear stamp.
Don't forget to stamp your personalized stamp on the back of the card.
Awesome possum!
-Trish
P.S. Here's a quick pic of the card from my computer-the mirrored image. Hence the words are reversed...yes I said hence.  It fit the time period of the card. I know it has a Steampunk feel to it tho I am not a huge Steampunk fan.  Enjoy!





Friday, April 1, 2011

Stallone Movies

Okay, only one Stallone movie-Get Carter.  Great movie!  Watched it instead of blogging so now I head to bed.
Nighty-nite,
-Trishy

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Chickenscratch: Happy 27th Anniversary Bob

Chickenscratch: Happy 27th Anniversary Bob
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1227037197

Happy 27th Anniversary Bob

Today is my 27th wedding anniversary.
Bob and I statistically should not have made it.
Married at 18 and 22, pregnant, no college between us, living paycheck to paycheck, no clear goals, and our moral compasses were a tad underdeveloped.
Well 27 years later, a lot of tears, even more laughter, and the strong direction of a loving Saviour and we have arrived to this point.
4 beautiful daughters and 4 grandchildren and more years to look forward to.
Love ya baby,
-Your Trish

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Fear Identified

There are many variations in the realm of fear.
Healthy fear when in danger.
Inset fear from past experience(s).
Fear of the unknown/phobias, etc...
The area I am thinking of lately is a fear that is usually hidden from ourselves and yet can manifest itself as a control issue when we interact with those around us.

Here is an example:  the future well-being of your children and their ability to be a viable member of society hinges upon your skills as a parental influence.  The decisions you make in your life affect them as well.  As well as how and when you discipline, set boundaries and  show affection.  You have a set idea/plan/goal in mind.  Internally you stress over every possible scenario.  You obsess to the point of smothering your children or just give in to the pressure, release your hold, and let it all play-out.  Balance is an elusive ingredient.  Just when you think you have achieved a measure of it...poof!
But since your child has a will and agenda of their own...conflict and tension appear.
Fear is your new best friend.
Now as I look back, I realized the majority of the choices made were good.  BUT...yep another But... fear motivated my life.  I could NOT screw this up!  
So now my daughters have some stories to bring to the show when Dr. Phil invites them to share their angst.  More later...
Gotta go,
-Trishtastic

Chickenscratch: Sex and old(er) age

Chickenscratch: Sex and old(er) age
http://www.ilovetotakejuiceplus.com

Sex and old(er) age

Next month is my 46th birthday.  I do not have an issue with announcing my age to everyone.  It is Googlable (is that a word?) anyways and I earned everyone one of those years!
My birthday has made me think of sex.  Or the near extinction of it as we progress toward the inevitable grave/nursing home (the same in my opinion).
Your formative years are filled with cautious tales of unwary virgins and the perils they have encountered.  As I love to yell out to my 17 yo as she heads to school, "Guard your carnal treasure!".  Some do until the "I do's" and some squander it on another young person who has no clue they have set the benchmark...for good or bad.
Then your adult life is spent either in pursuit of a likeminded partner, sometimes to your health's peril, or you hash out the tiny details with the one.  You know like how often, where at, what type, holiday and birthday exceptions, etc...
But (and this is a big but...one t not 2--let's keep this PG folks) when we hit the middle years where we finally know all the parts and what we want/need the mind and heart are willing but the body not so much.  What the hay?  So not fair.
Now exercise is not just for health reasons but to save your sex life.  Dieting is for maneuverability not just for show.  We hit the highlights, not necessarily in passion, but because we may not last for the long haul.
"It's hard work...weekends and holidays...it's hard work."  Quote intended ala GW Bush.
So, all this to say that sex is important...our existence depends upon it.  
Also, expect more health related blogs covering the whys and wherefores of a "healthy" sex life, ie he needs more testosterone, she needs progesterone, we need to take a mini vacate each quarter, etc...
Please share your own tips...just not the dirty details or I may have to retaliate with my own and scar my children for life.
Ciao for now,
-Trish has left the building

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Friends for more than a season

With age comes wisdom?  Hmm, let's call it understanding.  For me that is a more accurate statement.  
I now understand better each day the importance of the relationships we brush across in a day.  Some are embedded in our journey, some are just a whisper, some ebb and flow as  a distant tide returning to its home shore.  Each are valuable.
I love meeting new people.  You may hate walking into a room of strangers, I love it!  They are just friends I have yet to meet.  People fascinate me.  Its like an E! Channel Biography.  Each person has a backstory.  A history of life experiences, an extended circle of other people they know.  Childhood, teen years, the 20s, the 30s, the 40s, the 50s, the 60s, and hopefully the years beyond.
These people have stories that they lived inside the history that is recorded in the text books. They saw it with their own eyes, lived in the air space that historical experience is contained in.  It is part of them.
There are recipes they have perfected.  Family lines traced back to the Old Country.
My favorite are friends that cannot be shaken.  The kind that you don't hear from or see for years and yet can pop up and talk to you as if it was just yesterday you were so chummy.  I love that!  That implies trust.  A familiarity and comfort that stayed the test of time.  The best friendships ever.
Lorri, thank you for being one of those friends.  Thank you for thinking of me in this future endeavor...we will succeed...and thank you for being the best Lorri Miller ever!  http://lorrimiller.blogspot.com/
Toodles, this babe needs to sleep...work comes early.
-Trishtastic

The Blog Challenge...7 Days in a Row

Ok, Lorri here we go.  I pledge to blog for the next 7 days straight even if it looks like Diary of  a Real Boy... "today was brite an fare".
I am so ashamed that I have not blogged since January 22nd...at least it was in 2011 right?
Ok, this is not my real blog...I will post a separate one so the comments...hint-hint...stay together.
Ciao for now,
-Trishy
P.S. Do you love my new wallpaper?  It is my logo for Chickenscratch created by my youngest daughter Kimberly...soon to be a famous photographer/mixed-media artist.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Memories...the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Memories are very important to me, as they probably are to you.
My good memories give me hope and buoy my spirits when required.
My bad memories remind me to do a better job as a human than others or that life is fragile and fleeting.
My ugly memories point me to my Saviour; my need for His saving grace and His wisdom and strength when I am scared or confused or hesitant at continuing this journey.
A combination of all 3 make me who I am today, and I'm kinda liking this Trish.
Go baby go!
=Trishty
P.S. To preserve your memories for the coming generations remember to save a CD of your greatest hits to share with others and my fave--tactile paper scrapbooks for young and old to ooh and ahh over.  Do you remember when you looked thru your 1st album?  Cool, huh?  So get to it!
Anyone in the Valley willing to meet at my East Mesa home can join me monthly in saving those memories for tomorrow.  Email me palger@cox.net.  No charge, just good times!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Goals...nasty or necessary?

My new quote for the week:  
The ultimate reason for setting goals is to entice you to become the person it takes to achieve them. —Jim Rohn
Love that.  I'm a little biased when it comes to goal setting.  I love knowing what is happening today, tomorrow, and beyond.  Or at least the rough draft.  Life interferes all of the time and I have allowed for a margin of change at all times, by  the way love that book "Margin"--changed my outlook drastically years ago.  Now there have been seasons where my plans have been altered or waylaid and there have been seasons where I can only set goals for today--kinda there now.  
But that doesn't change my deep-seated need to set goals, make an outline, write lists, etc...
I do love a new year, a new month, a new week; it gives me a clean slate to try again.
See!  There is that internal optimist that I never acknowledged in the past.  Goals give me hope!  Hope is good.  Hope makes me happy.  Hope gives me a reason to get out of bed, exercise, take a shower, make myself presentable, and willing to meet my day head on.  Hey I like that...my day.  
So I did spend my New year's Eve day slogging my way thru a list of goals even while I suffered the last cold/flu of 2010.  It gave me something to hope for.  I felt in charge of my life again.
For years I have broken my list into categories.  Usually self, family, spiritual, financial, etc... This year I modified it to the most important right now, but am reviewing the process a little closer to allow for changes.  Also, Dave Ramsey recommended a book by Marcus Buckingham "Go Put Your Strengths to Work" and I noticed that he also wrote a book titled "Find Your Strongest Life" a book about what successful women do differently.  So I will be using my new Christmas B&N giftcard to download my 1st ebook onto my new Pandigital Novel...thank you Bob.  What a great husband!  He did  a lot of research to find the best ereader for me.  I do hope the content of this book will help me focus my goals where I wish to be headed.  When I am done I can 'loan' it to someone else with an ereader.  Towanda!!
One of my small goals was to make a card everyday and to mail them all thruout the year.  I have successfully finished one each day so far and hope to load pics of them to my website...helps to keep me accountable.
Yes, this blog title was misleading...of course goals are necessary--to me!!
Ciao for now,
=Trishtical